The officers and members of Ulster Hose would like to congratulate one of our own, Life Member and Past Chief William “Bill” Williams, on receiving the Charles Schaller Award.
As Deputy Highway Superintendent, Mr. Williams made safety part of his everyday work. He regularly surveyed the Town’s roads for hazards and cleared vegetation from signs, ensuring they remained visible, legible, and compliant. When storms struck, he helped coordinate response plans, often working with neighboring towns to reopen roads and restore safe passage. His careful recordkeeping did more than document the work—it captured patterns and lessons that could help both the Highway Department and Fire Service prepare for the future.
Mr. Williams’ commitment to safety has always extended beyond his formal responsibilities. He reached out to neighboring fire departments to build strong working relationships, share knowledge, and better understand the challenges they faced. He believes effective emergency response depends on cooperation—and he has spent a career putting that belief into practice.
Mr. Williams is also a gifted mentor. He shares his experience through stories grounded in real events: what worked, what could have worked better, and what others can learn. After retiring as Fire Chief, he continued serving Ulster Hose as one of its most relied-upon drivers, helping fellow firefighters develop sound practices in apparatus operation.
Mr. Williams’ dedication to emergency service began at a young age. He worked as a Fire Control Dispatcher before the current 911 system, and he grew up with the now-famous red phone hanging in his childhood home. At Ulster Hose, he helped build a legacy that continues to this day. He served as Chief for 25 years, working with a wide range of agencies, embracing new technologies, managing natural disasters, and supporting public outreach. The department’s cadet program also began during his years as Chief.
Throughout large-scale and serious incidents, Mr. Williams’ remained composed and focused on protecting the public. He sought practical alternatives to keep roads open and traffic moving, helping reduce congestion and prevent secondary incidents in a busy fire district.
Mr. Wiliams’ service reflects the very qualities this award honors: dedication, sound judgment, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to keeping people safe. His impact can be seen not only in the roads he helped reopen and the emergencies he helped manage, but also in the people he mentored and the stronger, safer community he helped build.
It is a privilege to recognize Mr. Williams’ for his outstanding service for the Charles Schaller Award.